January 12, 2022

Ward 3 Update:

Dear Neighbors,

Last night, Mayor Bowser declared a limited public health emergency that
will be in effect through January 26th. This measure enables hospitals to
enter into what is known as a "crisis standard of care" that effectively
provides flexibility in determining how to allocate limited treatment
resources as well as modify staffing operations during the healthcare
worker shortage (in some hospitals, 25% of the workforce is out on
COVID-19-related sick leave). Metrobus is similarly experiencing a
surge-related worker shortage and is operating at a [1]Saturday schedule
for lack of drivers. Over the weekend, the District reported 6,922 new
cases and lost six residents to this virus. Just yesterday, four people
died, two of whom were in their late 30s.

These numbers are alarming, but we are not defenseless against coronavirus
or its variants. If you are not yet vaccinated, [2]get vaccinated. If it
has been 5 months since your initial series, get boosted (adolescents aged
12-15 are now booster-eligible). Take advantage of the numerous [3]free
testing options across the District:
* Schedule an at-home rapid test with the Ready Responders: 202-602-0814
* Pick Up/Drop Off PCR Testing Kits, inventory/daily schedule [4]here
* Rapid Antigen Testing Kits, inventory/daily schedule [5]here
* Walk-Up PCR Testing Sites, daily schedule [6]here
* The CDC/FEMA PCR Testing Site, open daily from 8 am - 6 pm at Judiciary
Square

The proof of vaccination requirement for entry into certain indoor spaces
(those determined to be high-risk congregate settings by DC Health) will go
into effect this Saturday, January 15th. So, when leaving the home, please
remember to bring proof of vaccination for everyone in your party over the
age of 12, an accompanying photo ID for those aged 18+, and a mask.
* Proof of vaccination could be your vaccination card (either the
original card, a photocopy, or photo of your card), a printed version of
your immunization record from a patient portal or healthcare provider, or
proof through a COVID-19 verification app, such as VaxYes or CLEAR.

Due to the elevated health risks faced by older residents during the surge,
the District has implemented the following policies:
* Seniors are invited to the front of the line at public testing and
vaccination sites
* Rapid tests will be distributed at [7]six Senior Wellness Centers (for
seniors only)

An issue with this distribution approach is that Ward 3, which has the
greatest senior population in the District, does not have a Senior Wellness
Center. I'll be pressing the Executive for a senior-specific rapid test
distribution center in Ward 3. In the meantime, please continue to utilize
our public testing sites and the Ready Responders. Residents may also find
the Hattie Holmes or Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center sites to be
most accessible from Ward 3.

Regards,

Mary

Legislative Updates At a Glance

The Council adopted emergency legislation from Councilmember Cheh that
extends the applicability of a number of protections approved by the
Council through the public health emergency.
* Among the provisions, the legislation enables ANCs to continue to meet
virtually, allows the Department of public Works to provide [8]virtual
compost trainings, makes several clarifications to utility customer
protections, and extends the ceiling on fees that delivery apps charge
local restaurants.
* To read more on the ongoing effort to protect local restaurants from
exorbitant delivery app fees, please see [9]The Washington City Paper.

Additionally, due to legislation passed by Councilmember Cheh, residents'
hard copy 2020 visitor parking passes are now valid through April 15th,
2022. The extension was passed in order to provide the District Department
of Transportation (DDOT) with more time to fix the many issues identified
with [10]ParkDC as well as address the new process problems identified by
residents and Council offices.

The District's new [11]Ward-level boundaries formally went into effect on
January 1st (no changes to Ward 3), as did a number of laws and policies
introduced by Councilmember Cheh, including:
* The ban on the use of highly disruptive and polluting gas-powered leaf
blowers (more on this effort in [12]The Atlantic)
* The [13]Insulin Affordability Amendment Act, which protects residents
from skyrocketing costs of life-saving insulin by capping the amount of out
of pocket expenses a patient will pay to $30 for a 30 day supply of insulin
and $100 for a 30 day supply of all medically necessary diabetes devices
* The requirement that all new construction, commercial building
improvements, and multi-unit housing buildings that provide 3 or more
parking spaces must install electric vehicle charging station
infrastructure
* Producer battery recycling, source separation training, and
source-separated glass recycling by waste collectors
* Energy management plans will also be created this year for each
District-owned building, essentially providing a roadmap to retrofitting
the District's existing building portfolio with sustainable infrastructure

And finally, Councilmember Bonds has set a hearing date of February 14th at
10:00 am for the [14]"No Senior Hungry Omnibus Amendment Act". Previously
detailed in the December 10th [15]Ward 3 Update, this legislation,
introduced by Councilmembers Cheh and Bonds, seeks to address senior hunger
and food insecurity in the District. Residents may sign up to testify:
[16]here.

Join the Rock Creek Conservancy's MLK Weekend of Service

MLK Weekend of Service - The Rock Creek Conservancy is once again
organizing an MLK Weekend of Service (January 15th - 17th).

This multi-day volunteer event is part of a nationwide effort to empower
individuals, build community connections, and celebrate Dr. King’s
conviction that ‘all of life is interrelated’ by protecting the park lands
that increase our region's social and climate resilience.

Register for a trash clean up or invasive species removal event here:
[17]MLK Weekend of Service.

In the News - Roundup of New Laws in the Washington Region

From The Washington Post -

"...An environmental regulation passed by the D.C. Council in 2020 — the
Zero Waste Omnibus Amendment Act — has several provisions that take effect
Saturday. Most affect the government and trash collection companies, but
residents might notice one: Restaurants will be barred by law from simply
giving out plasticware with every meal.

Instead, they must only hand out plastic forks and spoons to people who ask
for them — an idea meant to keep unwanted plastic from ending up in
landfills. The law also requires food-delivery apps to offer an option on
their order forms asking D.C. users whether they want forks with their
fries.

The Department of Energy and Environment will scroll through those apps in
the new year to make sure they’re following the law, said D.C. Council
member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3), who first introduced the zero-waste bill in
2019."

[18]Read the Full Story

Photos Wanted for the DC to Maine Postcard Campaign!

Support DC Statehood - Neighbors United for DC Statehood, Democracy Maine,
and CollabCreate DC are seeking local photos for a postcard campaign
supporting DC Statehood. Postcards will be sent to Maine voters in early
2022 with a message to support DC Statehood by contacting their Senators on
our behalf.

Photo submissions should highlight local Washington, such as our parks,
businesses, and the many special places in DC. They're accepting
submissions now through January 23rd!

[19]Click Here to Enter Your Photo

Support Our Ward 3 Neighbors this Winter

Join the Volunteer Snow Team - A wonderful way to support our senior
neighbors and those with disabilities is to volunteer with the Serve DC
Snow Team.

Snow Team members help shovel the front steps and sidewalks of those in
need after each snowfall, which helps keep our sidewalks safe and clear for
everyone.

[20]Click Here to Volunteer with the Snow Team!

Compost Your Holiday Tree with DPW

Tree Collections - The Department of Public Works (DPW) will collect
holiday trees and greenery for composting from now through February 28th.
Residents can also drop-off holiday trees and greenery at the following
locations:
* Benning Road Transfer Station (3200 Benning Road NE)
* Fort Totten Transfer Station (4900 John F. McCormack Drive NE)
* Bryant Street Sweep Shop (201 Bryant Street NW)
* South Capitol Street Graffiti Shop (2700 South Capitol Street SE)

The above sites will be open for drop off from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday
through Friday, and 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturdays.

Funding Available for Local Innovators & Environmentalists!

Eliminate Food Waste - The Department of Small and Local Business
Development (DSLBD) is accepting applications for the first round of Food
Waste Innovation Grants to provide support for restaurants, food
manufacturers, and commercial corridors like Main Streets and Business
Improvement Districts, to minimize food waste.

This grant cycle includes a free waste reduction assessment for all
applicants, composting assistance grants, and over $300,000 in innovation
grants.

[21]Click Here for Application Information

Winter Storm Resources to Keep on Hand

Sidewalk Shoveling Reminder: All residential and commercial property owners
must remove snow/ice from the sidewalks around their property within the
first eight hours of daylight after the storm ends. Residential property
owners may be [22]exempt from sidewalk shoveling enforcement if you live in
your own home and are over the age of 65 and/or a person with a disability.
* Are you a senior or neighbor in need of assistance in clearing your
sidewalk and front walkway this winter? Call Serve DC at (202) 727-7925 to
request shoveling assistance from the Volunteer Snow Team.

City Services:
* New Plow Truck Tracker - Residents may follow the progress of the
District's plows online with the new [23]Snow Plow Tracker and should check
[24]Snow.DC.Gov for updates on city services.
* DC Public Schools (DCPS): Any closure or delay announcements will be
posted on the [25]DCPS homepage, [26]Twitter, [27]Facebook, AM/FM Radio, on
channels 4, 5, 7, and 9 and on cable channels 8, 16, and 28.
* Trash & Recycling Collection: Daily trash and recycling pickup
operations can be altered based upon road conditions during inclement
weather. If your collections are more than two days behind after a snow
storm, please report it to 311.
* Fallen Trees and Branches: Report fallen trees and branches to the
Urban Forestry Division by calling 311.
* Alert DC: Sign up to receive emergency alerts, notifications, and
updates sent directly to your phone: [28]Here.

Utilities:
* DC Water: Water main breaks and other emergencies may be reported to DC
Water by calling (202) 612-3400.
* Pepco: To report outages, view current outages, and receive restoration
notifications, call 1-877-737-2662 or go online: [29]Here.
* Washington Gas: To report gas leakage or outage emergency, call
703-750-1400 or 800-752-7520.
* METRO: WMATA announces service suspensions and delays online via their
[30]service website and [31]Twitter account.

Resources for those Experiencing Homelessness: Free transportation to an
emergency shelter or warming site is provided to anyone experiencing
homelessness in the District 24/7 during a Cold Weather Emergency and/or
Hypothermia Alert. Blanket and cold weather clothing delivery is also
available through the Department of Human Services.
* Shelter Hotline: To request a wellness check on a neighbor in need or
to help coordinate transportation to shelter or a warming center, please
call the Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093.

Pets Left Outdoors: If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet.
District law prohibits animals left outside for longer than 15 minutes in
temperatures below freezing and requires that certain shelter and standards
of care be met for pets kept outside.
* Humane Rescue Alliance: Call (202) 576-6664 for animal-related
emergencies and to report neglect or abuse, including animals left out in
extreme weather.

Ending this Update on a Happy Note:

Spotlight on the Women Behind Bistro Aracosia in the Palisades

From The Washington Post - As their homeland fell to the Taliban, these
Afghan women rose to lead a D.C. restaurant empire

"The hugging started happening after Kabul fell.

They are three of the four Afghan American women, including Taliha and
Iman’s mother, Sofia, now in charge of this local restaurant empire —
holding positions of power [32]that the Taliban’s takeover has essentially
denied to most women who’ve remained in their ancestral homeland. All but
Sofia, who fled with her family from the Russian invasion of Afghanistan as
a child in 1981, were born in the United States and raised in the
Washington area. And they’ve ascended to running the family’s business only
in the past four months, as a deliberate statement of defiance to what’s
happened to the country and culture they love."

[33]Read the Full Story

Our Office is Open!

Connect with our staff - While Councilmember Cheh's physical office is
closed during the public health emergency, she and her staff are
teleworking and will remain accessible for residents.

You may continue to reach us via [34]email or phone through our main line
at (202) 724-8062 with legislative ideas, budget requests, and constituent
services requests.

[35]Facebook [36]Twitter [37]marycheh.com

FOLLOW MARY

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Mary Cheh
Mary Cheh Ward 3
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NWSuite 108
Washington, DC 20004
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